Weather

Many people are surprised to discover Arizona is not all cactus and tumbleweeds. At 7,000 feet (2,135 m) elevation, Flagstaff is located in the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world and Flagstaff’s combination of high altitude, and low humidity provides mild weather conditions throughout the year.

No matter what time of year you visit, layering and comfortable clothes are a must in the Flagstaff area. Often the daily change in temperature will be 30-40 degrees from noon to night. Bring comfortable shoes, long pants, short- and long-sleeved shirts, a sweater or fleece, a hat and sunglasses.

Year around, plan to drink plenty of water, bring sunscreen and lip balm, and rest as often as necessary, because at high altitudes the sun is more intense and you may experience fatigue.

Flagstaff's precipitation comes mostly two times a year, snow in winter and summer rains in July and August. Although with the on-going drought it seems drier than ever. Snow melts quickly and summer rains are brief, Flagstaffers often joke that if you do not like the weather—just wait a minute!

Generally, it's sunny in Flagstaff, an average of 288 days a year, and rain or shine, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park should be at the top of your "to do" list! Below is a listing of average daily temperatures and monthly precipitation:

About Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Built in 1904 for two Riordan families, Riordan Mansion is an impressive reminder of gracious living in a small, territorial logging town. The historic building is an Arizona treasure — a remarkable example of Arts and Crafts style architecture featuring a rustic exterior of log-slab siding, volcanic stone arches, and hand-split wooden shingles. The expansive home has forty rooms, over 13,000 square-feet of living area, and servants' quarters. The Riordan residence was designed by the creator of Grand Canyon's El Tovar Hotel, Charles Whittlesey.